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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release STATEMENT BY SECRETARY POMPEO Belgium National Day July 21, 2019 On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I send my congratulations and best wishes to the people of Belgium on your national day. This year, as we approach the 75th …

Ambassador Ronald Gidwitz Memorial Day Flanders Field American Cemetery May 26, 2019 Thank you for your introduction, Mr. Sheridan. I’m honored to be with all of you today for my first Memorial Day as United States Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium. I’ve been privileged to serve my country as Ambassador for close to a …

Ambassador Ronald Gidwitz Memorial Day Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery May 25, 2019 Thank you for the introduction, Mr. Sheridan. I’m honored to be with you today for my first Memorial Day as the United States Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium. I’ve been privileged to serve my country as Ambassador for close to a year now. …

Ambassador Ronald Gidwitz Memorial Day Ardennes American Cemetery May 25, 2019 Thank you for your kind introduction, Mr. Sheridan. I’m honored to be with all of you today for my first Memorial Day as United States Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium. I’ve been privileged to serve my country as Ambassador for close to a …

Official Trivia Contest Rules – Do you know Disney? Contest Sponsors 1 Do you know Disney? is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Public Affairs Brussels and Disney (the “Contest Sponsors”). Description of the Contest In light of the release of the live-action adaptation of Aladdin, we want to engage our community and …

University of Chicago Alumni in Belgium Economic Outlook Dinner March 27, 2019 H.E. Ronald J. Gidwitz, U.S. Ambassador to Belgium Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, good evening. Let me begin by thanking our host for the kind introduction, and for the opportunity to meet all of you tonight. I’ll join my fellow speakers with an …

The Embassy is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Grants Program to support events commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge. The deadline for applications is April 19, 2019 so please visit the links below to apply. We are looking for programs that would take place during …

“Security and Prosperity in a New Era of Geopolitical Competition.” Remarks by Ambassador Ronald Gidwitz at the Cercle de Lorraine January 24, 2019 Distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen; good afternoon. Let me begin by thanking Cercle de Lorraine for the invitation and for the opportunity to speak to you today about the Trans-Atlantic partnership. I’ve …

Participation deadline extended to Friday, February 8, 2019! We are looking for aspiring young leaders who want to work with American and other European youth to build a network that will lead to a lifetime of change! Is this you? Then, send us a 2-minute video in English for your chance to take part in …

Brussels, Belgium December 4, 2018 SECRETARY POMPEO: Thank you, Ian, for the kind introduction. Good morning to all of you; thank you for joining me here today. It’s wonderful to be in this beautiful place, to get a chance to make a set of remarks about the very work that you do, the issues that …

Remarks by Ambassador Ronald Gidwitz American European Community Association Wednesday, November 14, 2018 CEO Christophe de Callatay; Chairman Leonard Schrank; Foreign Minister Reynders; Ambassador Sondland; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen; good evening. Let me begin by thanking AECA for the invitation and for your important work in strengthening Trans-Atlantic understanding. While I’m a “new-ish” Ambassador …

Seminar: Doing Business in the US Meet with experts and improve your network Why: Companies that are interested to explore the American market should attend this seminar. Companies can learn more about export and investment strategies, cultural differences, differences between states, Visa procedures and where to get help. There is a special presentation on Florida …

Press Statement Heather Nauert Department Spokesperson Washington, DC October 25, 2018 The United States welcomes the decision by the Government of Belgium to purchase thirty-four new F-35 fighter aircraft. Belgium is now poised to fly the F-35 alongside its closest NATO Allies and longtime partners. The United States is proud of our enduring air partnership …

The United States welcomes Belgium’s decision to purchase the F-35 fighter aircraft. Belgium will fly the F-35 Lightning II alongside some of its closest NATO allies and longtime partners in air defense. With Belgium’s commitment to the F-35 program, its five-star aerospace industry will continue to expand as it supports this 5th generation aircraft, which was jointly developed with …

Secretary Pompeo released the State Department’s report detailing the magnitude of the Iranian regime’s destructive behavior at home and abroad. The report covers Iran’s support for terrorism, its missile program, illicit financial activities, threats to maritime security and cybersecurity, human rights abuses, as well as environmental exploitation. Download the report»Confronting Iran: The Trump Administration’s Strategy»

Press Statement Michael R. Pompeo Secretary of State Washington, DC October 10, 2018 Authorities in Germany announced yesterday the extradition of Asadollah Assadi, an Iranian official working under diplomatic cover, to Belgium for his role in the disrupted Iranian terrorist plot to bomb a political rally near Paris, France on June 30. The scale of …

“It is with great pride that I have the honor to join all of you by this roadside in Petite-Chapelle today. We are here to commemorate the bravery and sacrifice of the men of the 370th U.S. Infantry Regiment who, 100 years ago this year, were fighting alongside the French 10th Army, in part because …

Remarks by Ambassador Ronald Gidwitz to the Luncheon hosted by the Federation of Belgian Entreprises Monday, September 24, 2018, FEB Headquarters President Gilliot and CEO Timmermans; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen. Good afternoon. It’s my honor and pleasure to join you today. I’ve been in Brussels for a little over two months now. We’re neighbors …

Ambassador Ronald J. Gidwitz’s Remarks at the 75th Anniversary Commemoration of the Crash of the “Picklepuss” August 17, 2018 Montzen, Plombières, Belgium Mayor Wimmer, Marcel and Mathilde, Ladies and Gentlemen, It is an honor to be with you here today. On my way to Plombieres, I visited the cemeteries of Ardennes and Henri-Chapelle to pay …

Press Statement Michael R. Pompeo Secretary of State Washington, DC July 21, 2018 On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I offer my sincere congratulations to the people of Belgium as they celebrate their national day. Through two world wars, the founding of NATO, and the fight against terrorism, the United …

Secretary of State Pompeo called religious freedom “a right belonging to every individual on the globe” and said the U.S. “stands with those who yearn for religious liberty.” Pompeo spoke May 29 as the State Department released the 2017 International Religious Freedom Report describing the state of religious freedom in countries around the world. This year marks the 20th anniversary …

Memorial Day Speech at Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery Chargé d’Affaires Matthew Lussenhop May 26, 2018 Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery The Representative of His Majesty, the King; Representative Jaddin; Excellencies; Honored Veterans and Service Members; Family Members and Friends; While we gather here in this solemn place in Belgium, all across the United States thousands of Americans will …

The Ties that Bind by Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Matthew Lussenhop, May 25, 2018 This weekend, Americans will remember the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service of their nation. In the United States, Memorial Day (May 27) will be honored with parades of veterans, children on bicycles decorated with red, white and …

Annual U.S. Memorial Day ceremonies in Belgium May 26 -27, 2018 Belgian and American service members fought side by side to liberate Belgium and Europe from occupation during two World Wars. Of the nearly 500,000 Americans who died, more than 14,000 are buried in Belgium. On Memorial Day, Americans pay homage to their fallen soldiers …

May 1, 2018: From January 2017 through May 2018, the U.S. Government has taken action to support the EU-U.S. and Swiss-U.S. Privacy Shield Frameworks. These measures enhance privacy protections for EU and Swiss individuals, while ensuring that American and European businesses can count on the Privacy Shield to deliver innovative products and services across the …

Statement by Knox Thames Special Advisor for Religious Minorities in the Near East and South/Central Asia Brussels Conference on Victims of Ethnic and Religious Violence in the Middle East: Protecting and Promoting Plurality and Diversity May 14, 2018 On behalf of the United States Government, I want to thank Belgium for hosting this important and …

Remarks by Chargé d’Affaires Matthew R. Lussenhop at the international colloquium “Revival after theGreat War: Repair, Rebuild, Remember,” May 9, 2018. KU Leuven Library As prepared Mr. Mayor Mr. Vice Rector Distinguished guests, Thank you It is an honor to say a few words at the closing of this important conference. I want to thank …

Primary Elections Begin This Month – Register and request your absentee ballots for all 2018 elections now at FVAP.gov This year the entire House of Representatives and a third of the U.S. Senate are up for election. Don’t miss your opportunity to vote in your state’s primary election as it will determine who is on the …

U.S. Business and Investment Seminar Please join us at the U.S. Embassy for this seminar designed exclusively for Belgian entrepreneurs and investors. Learn about the new U.S. tax reforms, how to protect your intellectual property rights, why you should consider the United States for your business and how you can get the support you require. …

In May 2017, students from Morehouse College, Atlanta GA came to Belgium as part of an exchange program dedicated to Wereth 11 and their legacy. During their time in Belgium, the students visited Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery where each student took on the persona of the one of the Wereth 11 soldiers buried at this cemetery. …

Press release February 1, 2018 U.S. Embassy to Belgium, Brussels U.S. Government Presents Best and Final Offer for the Belgian Defense Air Combat Capability Program On February 14, the U.S. F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO) submitted its Best and Final Offer (BaFO) for the F-35 as the optimal choice in response to the Belgian Defense …

Press release February 1, 2018 U.S. Embassy to Belgium, Brussels| Honoring 40 years of U.S.-Belgian defense cooperation On January 31, the U.S. Embassy to Belgium organized a reception to bring together longtime allies and key partners in honor of four decades of air defense cooperation. The event highlighted the successes of the past and focused …

Remarks by Chargé d’Affaires Matthew Lussenhop at U.S.-Belgium Defense Cooperation Reception Wednesday, January 31, 2018, Whitlock Hall Good evening Minister, Ambassadors, Representatives, distinguished guests – welcome to tonight’s reception. I would like to extend a special welcome to our guest speakers; it gives me great pleasure to welcome Norwegian Air Chief General Skinnarland and Dutch …

Attention European entrepreneurs: The U.S. Department of State is proud to partner with The German Marshall Fund to implement the Young Transatlantic Innovation Leaders Initiative (#YTILI). YTILI brings young European entrepreneurs pursuing commercial and social ventures to the U.S. for an intensive program of exchange, dialogue, and guidance from hosts and mentors across the U.S. …

At this time, scheduled passport and visa services will continue during the lapse in appropriations as the situation permits. This website will not be regularly updated until full operations resume, with the exception of emergency safety and security information.

Remarks by Chargé d’Affaires Matthew R. Lussenhop AmCham Belgium and American Club of Brussels Holiday Gala December 13, 2017 Introduction President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Belgium, Mr. Howard Liebman; President of the American Club of Brussels, Mr. Peter Forrest, distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen. Good evening. It is my distinct honor and …

Rex W. Tillerson Secretary of State Brussels, Belgium December 5, 2017 SECRETARY TILLERSON: Thank you, Ambassador Hutchison, for that very warm introduction. And the Ambassador and I have known each other for many, many years. We hail from the great state of Texas, we share friendship through our alumni association – (laughter) – at the …

Tuesday, November 28, 2017 Catholic University of Louvain-la- Neuve Good afternoon, et merci beaucoup de votre attention aujourd’hui. It is a pleasure to be in Louvain-la- Neuve today. This is my first visit, and I look forward to spending more time here and visiting your new museum. Today I would like to talk about the …

“Make a short video in English and participate in our contest to take part in a prestigious exchange program in the United States during the summer of 2018.” The U.S. Embassy is organizing its annual Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellows Summer Institute for Youth contest and invites Belgian students who will be 16, 17, or 18 …

Are you a current bachelor’s student in Belgium looking for a way to spend your summer? Apply for the 2018 Study of the U.S. Institute for European Student Leaders on Environmental Issues and you could spend six weeks exploring themes in environmental studies at a U.S. university with student leaders from around the world. Sponsored …

SECRETARY TILLERSON: Good morning, all. I want to welcome Deputy Prime Minister Reynders of Belgium to the State Department. It’s a pleasure to have you here. FOREIGN MINISTER REYNDERS: Thank you. SECRETARY TILLERSON: I do want to make a comment on yesterday’s events in New York City. Of course, we extend our condolences to the families and loved …

On August 15, 2017, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson released the 2016 Annual Report on International Religious Freedom at the U.S. Department of State. Religious freedom is both a core American value and a fundamental human right. Mandated by the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, the IRF Report describes the status of religious freedom in foreign countries and U.S. actions and …

Celebrate the U.S. National Park Service’s 101st anniversary with a digital 3-D tour of America’s famous landmarks. The U.S. national park system has been called “ America’s best idea ” for its conservation of spectacular landscapes, environments and places of historical significance for future generations. President Trump, in a proclamation in April, noted that visitors from around the world travel …

DYK that The Harvard Krokodiloes , Harvard’s oldest a capella group stopped through Brussels on their 2017 Summer World Tour? US Embassy Brussels had the great honor to co-host a performance with the Harvard Club of Belgium to showcase the crossroads between academic excellence and the immense talent of the extracurricular programs at U.S. colleges and universities. With the #krokodiloes , it is always time to …

Belgium National Day Press Statement Rex W. Tillerson Secretary of State Washington, DC July 20, 2017 On behalf of the United States of America, best wishes to the people of Belgium on the occasion of your national day. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the U.S. entry into World War I, when U.S. and …

It’s a birthday party for everyone, young and old. It takes place at fairgrounds and parks, on beaches and streets, and in people’s’ backyards. It is the Fourth of July — Independence Day — the birthday of the United States of America. On July 3, 1776, anticipating the Continental Congress adopting the Declaration of Independence, John Adams wrote …

Remarks by Chargé d’Affaires Matt Lussenhop at Memorial Day Commemorations, May 2017 Memorial Day means many things to Americans. Some think of it as the transition into summer, but for most of us, it is a special moment. It is a time to remember those who came before us. It is a time for us …

Each year, we observe Memorial Day by participating in commemoration ceremonies to honor the more than 14,000 American soldiers buried in Belgium in three American cemeteries. Chargé d’Affaires Matt Lussenhop started the Memorial Day weekend by attending the Ardennes American Cemetery commemoration in Neupré on Saturday, May 27, 2017. The Ardennes American Cemetery is the …

The White House Office of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release May 25, 2017 Readout of President Donald J. Trump’s Meetings with the King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium and Prime Minister Charles Michel of Belgium Yesterday, President Donald J. Trump visited the Royal Palace in Brussels to meet with King Philippe and Queen …

Chargé d’Affaires Matt Lussenhop and a team from the U.S. Embassy visited Eneco’s Perwez Wind Park in Wallonia, together with General Electric Benelux Director Roland Teixeria, to learn more about renewable energy potential in Belgium.

Chargé d’Affaires Matt Lussenhop and Universiteit Gent Rector Anne De Paepe met to discuss the importance of educational exchanges and the continued cooperation between the embassy and the university, as it celebrates its 200th anniversary. #ugent200

Save the date for the 2017 SelectUSA Summit, from June 18-20, 2017 in Washington, DC. Registration is OPEN! Further information is available on the SelectUSA Summit website . We’re thrilled to announce that registration is open for the fourth SelectUSA Investment Summit in the Washington, DC area on June 18-20, 2017! If you represent a business and you are …

Current and past exchange program participants are invited to compete to win up to $25,000 in support of their public service projects. The Office of Alumni Affairs in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) is pleased to announce the FY2017 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) competition. AEIF offers alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange …

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Kingdom of Belgium is a parliamentary democracy with a limited constitutional monarchy. The country is a federal state with several levels of government: national; regional (Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels); language community (Flemish, French, and German); provincial; and local. The Federal Council of Ministers, headed by the prime minister, remains in office as …

President Trump delivered his first address to a joint session of Congress on February 28. THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Vice President, members of Congress, the First Lady of the United States — and citizens of America: Tonight, as we mark the conclusion of our celebration of Black History Month, we …

“Make a short video in English and participate in our contest to take part in a prestigious exchange program in the United States during the summer of 2017.” The U.S. Embassy is organizing its annual Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellows Summer Institute for Youth contest and invites Belgian students who will be 16, 17, or 18 …

Are you a young Belgian entrepreneur looking to taking your commercial or social venture to the next level? The U.S. Department of State and the German Marshall Fund are proud to announce that the application window for the next generation of Young Transatlantic Innovation Leaders Initiative (#YTILI) Fellows is now open! YTILI brings young European …

Rex Tillerson, a globe-trotting oil executive and engineer, is the new U.S. secretary of state and chief foreign affairs adviser to President Trump. He was confirmed February 1 as the 69th secretary of state, a position first held by Thomas Jefferson and most recently by John Kerry. Five predecessors won the Nobel Peace Prize. Secretary of …

From DoD Pentagon Spokesperson Capt. Jeff Davis provided the following readout: Secretary Mattis spoke today by telephone with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg to reconnect and discuss the key role NATO plays in transatlantic security. The secretary, who previously served as NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander for Transformation, wanted to place the call on his first full …

President Trump delivered this inaugural address on January 20, 2017. THE PRESIDENT: Chief Justice Roberts, President Carter, President Clinton, President Bush, President Obama, fellow Americans, and people of the world: thank you. We, the citizens of America, are now joined in a great national effort to rebuild our country and restore its promise for all of …

Martin Luther King Jr. dedicated his life to the nonviolent struggle for racial equality in the United States. The third Monday in January marks Martin Luther King Day, a U.S. holiday that honors King’s legacy and challenges citizens to engage in volunteer service in their communities. (National Park Service) Beginning the journey Born on January 15, …

Yes, we have a brand new website! Have a look around! The new-look website has seven sections representing broad topics that may be of interest to you. The sections are broken down further into sub-categories to assist you in finding specific information. The Seven Sections are: Visas – For all your Visa needs and questions. U.S. Citizen Services – …

Over 60 young Belgians aged 16-22 and coming from all over Belgium participated in an inspiring interfaith conference hosted by the U.S. Embassy in Brussels. They engaged with a prominent panel of American interfaith experts focusing on Social Justice, Enlightenment, Social Impact, Secularism & Social Change. They were challenged to apply what they have learned …

The election of a new U.S. president brings new ideas and new people to Washington, but one constant remains: Career federal employees will make sure the government continues to function without interruption no matter who’s in the White House. Donald Trump, like all presidents-elect, will bring in the people he thinks can best implement his vision. Immediately on Inauguration …

U.S. voters have elected Republican Donald J. Trump as their 45th president, putting into the White House a businessman who promised to use his financial know-how to help Americans improve their standard of living. The real estate magnate defeated former secretary of state Hillary Clinton, who had hoped to be the first woman president. Accepting victory early …